Buenos Aires

Practical Info about Buenos Aires

Getting around the city

The street structure, organised in a grid pattern, makes it easy to get around in Buenos Aires, and the best way to explore the city and take in its character is on foot. However, the city is serviced by an efficient and cheap public transport system that consists of buses and an excellent underground rail service (the Subte). Although it services most of the city centre, the Subte is not very extensive beyond the central core. The Subte costs ARS4.50 per journey. It gets very hot and crowded in summer especially during peak hours, and closes between 10pm and 5am. The bus (colectivo) network is huge and covers the city, and although very useful for getting around, it can be confusing for tourists. Bus fares are paid in coins into an automatic ticket vending machine when boarding the bus and cost a minimum of ARS2.50. Many bus services run all night but with less frequency. There are also urban train services that can be useful for reaching the outlying suburbs. Taxis are everywhere and relatively inexpensive, but it is safer to phone for a radio taxi or remise, a fixed-price radio cab booked in advance that acts like a chauffeur-driven car and can be cheaper over longer distances. They are more useful than renting a car for excursions from the city and even for a day's tour of the suburbs.

Time

GMT -3.

Electricity

Electrical current in Argentina is 220 volts, 50Hz. Most hotels and offices use the three-pin flat type plug, however most older buildings use the two-pin round plug.

Currency

The unit of currency is the Argentinean Peso (ARS), which is divided into 100 centavos. Currency can be exchanged at banks and cambios (bureaux de change) but it is easier to use ATMs, available in most towns, which reflect the current exchange rate. Major credit and debit cards are generally accepted, and US Dollars can be used in many tourist establishments.

Communication

The international access code for Argentina is +54. Mobile phones work on the GSM network, and therefore some USA and Canadian SIM cards will not work in Argentina. Mobile roaming charges can be very expensive, so a good option is to buy an Argentine SIM on arrival. Internet cafes are widely available and many hotels also offer internet access.

Climate

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Buenos Aires has a temperate climate with average temperatures ranging from 94°F (35°C) in January to 50°F (10°C) in July. The heaviest rain falls during autumn and spring, though rain can be expected at any time of the year. Many locals leave Buenos Aires during the hot summer months (December, January and February) and head for the coastal resorts.

Ezeiza Ministro Pistarini International Airport

Getting to the city

Manuel Tienda Leon runs a shuttle-bus every hour to Madero Terminal in the city centre, where smaller shuttle buses connect passengers to final destinations. Rides to the city centre are about 40 minutes and cost approximately US$14. Public buses are cheaper but can take up to two hours to the city centre. Private cars, also called remis, are a reliable option with fixed pre-set prices. They are available for hire on the lower level of both terminals or by phone and cost upwards of US$35.

Car rental

Car rental companies have desks in Terminal A.

Airport taxi's

Metered taxis are available outside the terminal buildings and cost between ARS150 and ARS250. Taxis have reservation booths inside the airport and visitors should confirm the price before making the reservation. Avoid touts and unlicensed taxis.

Transfer between terminals

The two terminals are linked by a covered walkway.

Facilities

There are several shops, pharmacies, restaurants, cafes and bars, as well as duty-free shopping. Bureaux de change and ATMs are available as well as a 24-hour bank. There is a left-luggage facility and a tourist information desk in Terminal A. Other facilities include mobile phone hire, medical services, a VIP lounge and internet access.

Parking

Long and short-term parking is available in both a multi-level covered parking garage (adjacent to Terminal A) and an open-air lot. Covered parking costs ARS 20 per hour, up to ARS 120 per day, while open lots have a daily limit of ARS 80.